Gallagher on Pick 4 prospects

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The man charged with bolstering St Kilda’s list at this year’s NAB AFL National Draft has had his say on three candidates the Saints are likely to target at pick No. 4.

James Gallagher has already overseen a raft of list changes at the Saints, and the ex-Crow remains focussed on bringing in the best possible talent to the football club.

Connor Rozee (185cm midfielder, North Adelaide

“We’ve had Connor really highly rated for the year. Even looking back, he won the MVP at the under-16 carnival two years ago playing as a midfielder, and our boys have watched him really closely since then,” Gallagher told the Herald Sun.

“What you love about Connor is he is versatile. His primary trade as a junior has been as a midfielder but in senior football he’s played a lot as a medium forward and then late in the year through finals with North Adelaide he played as a defender.

“While not having a huge amount of possessions, his game in the SANFL grand final — in a really hot game in front of 40,000 people — he was really, really good. He executed everything he needed to.

“He’s got really clean hands, is very clever, he sees the game unfold really well and his speed is fantastic.

“He’s got excellent breakaway speed away from the stoppage, which is a really attractive feature for midfielders.”

Bailey Smith (185cm midfielder, Sandringham Dragons

“Bailey is he’s a genuine midfielder. He’s got the ability to play at halfback, which is great, but he’s a ball-winner.

“So he goes and gets it himself and he’s also got outstanding athletic ability, so he can go and get it on the outside as well. He uses it effectively too.

“You put those three things together and that’s the makings of a really good AFL midfielder. Plus there’s a drive in Bailey, so you think he’ll leave no stone unturned to be the best footballer he can be.”

Max King (202cm key forward, Sandringham Dragons)

“He couldn’t be more impressive with his attitude towards his (ACL) rehabilitation. Clearly his size is good, but anyone could be 204cm. It’s that coupled with athleticism.

“He moves a lot more nimbly and his ability to pick up the ball below his knees while running at speed as well is pretty exceptional for a player at that size.

“We haven’t seen many of those before in the AFL. Those two factors — and then his performances as well, he kicked 8.5 in the first TAC Cup game — indicates he can put it together.”